I’m Sarah, a Naturopathic Doctor, wellness enthusiast and health-foodie. I’m a well-being advocate and green kitchen guru who is living my true purpose while guiding patients through their personal health journeys. I’m also a complete and utter health food fanatic who wants to see everyone benefit from eating healing foods!
August 4, 2017 By Sarah White No Comments
Our lavender bush has grown absolutely wild this summer and I’m not upset about it at all! Lavender is one of my favourite herbs to relieve stress and anxiety since research shows that lavender has calming, soothing, and sedative effects on the nervous system when consumed or inhaled. Lavender’s calming properties are due to it’s main constituents: linalool, linalyl acetate & terpinen-4-ol. These chemical compounds calm the nervous system by modulating GABA levels in the brain. Since GABA is one of our main inhibitory neurotransmitters this means that lavender balances excitatory / stimulating neurotransmitter firing, which in turn calms the mind and body. Coffee, on the other hand, has the exact opposite effect on the nervous system. Studies in humans have shown that caffeine from coffee increases cortisol levels (our stress hormone) at rest, and that levels of cortisol measured after caffeine consumption are similar to those experienced during an acute stressful event. Drinking coffee, in other words, re-creates stress conditions for the body. Naturally, I decided to combine my favourite nervous system relaxing herb with my favourite stimulating drink for a delicious morning beverage with a little less of that unwanted anxiety-inducing kick.
Prep
Cook
Total
Yield 1 cup syrup
Courses Breakfast
Cuisine Beverage
Serving Size 1 tbs
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 20 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Carbohydrates 6 g | 2% | |
Sugars 5 g | ||
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Image from: my little farm in the city
References:
Dr. Sarah White is a Naturopathic Doctor, Integrative health expert and the founder + CEO of This Doctor’s Kitchen — your evidence-based resource for all things health and wellness. Dr. Sarah takes a food-first approach to health with a focus in fertility, longevity and natural beauty. She is recognized as an expert in women’s hormones, thyroid health and anti-aging. Dr. Sarah is a published health author with features in Elle Canada, Best Health, EcoParent & Whole Family magazine.